{"id":11917,"date":"2020-06-02T10:58:52","date_gmt":"2020-06-02T14:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=11917"},"modified":"2022-05-19T11:45:38","modified_gmt":"2022-05-19T15:45:38","slug":"mens-preconception-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/mens-preconception-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How a dad\u2019s health impacts his baby\u2019s"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re thinking about having a baby, it\u2019s women\u2019s health that gets the lion\u2019s share of attention. But since it takes two to conceive, it makes sense that men\u2019s preconception health\u2014including physical and mental well-being\u2014also plays an important role. It\u2019s vital for maintaining fertility <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>having healthy offspring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Overall health is pivotal for male reproductive function,\u201d comments <\/span>Natan Bar-Charma<\/span><\/a>, MD, president of the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology. \u201cLifestyle choices can directly impact sperm quality and the well-being of one\u2019s offspring.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll give your children the healthiest start in life if you get your own health on track, before having a baby. These are must-dos for fathers-to-be.<\/span><\/p>\n

What can men do to increase chances of conception?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re considering starting a family, begin with an appointment with your healthcare provider. Together you can determine the best male preconception plan to increase the chances of conception.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Since 50% of infertility cases contain a malefactor, men should undergo preconception screening,\u201d notes <\/span>Tung-Chin Hsieh<\/span><\/a>, MD, assistant clinical professor of urology at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. \u201cUnfortunately, most reproductive age men don’t see physicians regularly, and many preventable diseases are missed. In general, screening can be done by a primary care physician. If a fertility problem is identified, you should be referred to a men’s health\/reproductive urologist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideally, your men\u2019s preconception health screening will include the following steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Get screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).<\/span><\/h3>\n

Infections (such as STDs) can block or scar sperm ducts, and that can impact fertility. Many STDs, such as <\/span>gonorrhea<\/span><\/a>, often are present without noticeable symptoms. Asymptomatic infections are why screening tests are so important. Screening helps uncover hidden conditions that impact fertility.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Discuss your health history.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Share any diseases or conditions with your healthcare provider. Type 1 diabetes, for instance, can affect your sperm count. History of childhood undescended testes can cause future infertility. Ditto if you had the mumps after puberty (rarely it causes infertility, but it can cause \u201csubfertility\u201d).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Familiarize yourself with your family history before your appointment then discuss it with your physician. While your family\u2019s genetic makeup or your sister\u2019s health may not seem important for <\/span>your<\/span><\/i> baby, conditions can run in families. Your doctor may refer you for genetic counseling or order appropriate tests.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Review the medications you take.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Some medications, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), can impact fertility. A variety of drugs\u2014including medications used to treat <\/span>depression and anxiety<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>fungal infections<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>hair loss<\/span><\/a>, and other conditions\u2014can alter sperm count and the sperm\u2019s ability to fertilize an egg. Your physician can suggest alternative medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Ask about vitamins.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Some vitamins are good for your testicles and sperm production, according to research published in the <\/span>Indian Journal of Urology<\/span><\/i><\/a>, including:<\/span><\/p>\n